December 2004 - Queen`s Own Rifles of Canada

Fall/Winter 2004/2005
Regimental
Remembrance Day
Church Parade.
Top: Formed up;
Centre: Last Post and
Reveille; QOR D-Day
Veteran Jack Hadley,
Assoc. Pres. Bob Dunk
and Sgt.Ted Howard
with wreath;
New CO LCol Martin
Delaney CD salutes;
Bottom; Band and Bugles,
Skirmishers and Pioneers.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
CHURCH PARADE
Published by Regimental Headquarters
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Association Toronto Branch
By Bob Dunk
2004 has been another busy year for the Association in
Toronto. Elections were held in April on the Regimental
Birthday weekend and the results were as follows:
President, Bob Dunk; Vice President, Ed Teatro;
Secretary, Fred Haire; Treasurer, Doug McNeil;
Membership Chairman, Dave Lavery; Sick & Welfare
Chairman, Gus Amodeo; Immediate Past President,
Norm McCracken; Directors: Neil Arsenault, Cliff
Ashdown, Brian Budden, Rob Grieve, Ivan Hill, Andy
Macnaughton, Harry McCabe, Frank Pearce, Rocco
Polsinelli, Ed Rayment, Gerry Senetchko, Frank
Sypulski, Dave Vine.
After 32 years, Harry Rollo has stepped down from the
position of Treasurer. On behalf of the Association, I
would like to thank Harry for his many years of dedication to The Regiment and the Association. His expertise and quick wit will be missed.
In June, Brian Budden and Dave Lavery organized a
tour group of QOR veterans, family and friends to
attend the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Normandy
celebrations (see Page 3). Early in September, Rob
Grieve and committee again held another very successful Association Shoot at CFB Borden (see Page 3).
Later in September, a small group of Association
members and their wives and families attended a performance of Tony & Tina’s wedding at the Second City
in Toronto. One of the cast members, Marco Timpano
who plays Tony’s father, wore a QOR bow tie and cummerbund and greatly enjoyed playing the role as an exQOR Rifleman for the evening. It was agreed to look at
going again in the New Year with a larger group.
For 2005, Brian Budden is again taking the lead role
in organizing a trip to Holland to celebrate the 60th
Anniversary of VE Day. Make sure to check the QOR
website for more information. And watch the Association
pages on www.qor.com for some exciting changes in
the next few months.
See you all in Calgary at QOR2005!
The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
TRUST FUND
“We Look Forward To Mailing You A Tax Receipt Soon”
With each edition of the Powder Horn, your Regimental Trust
Fund reminds the extended regimental family of the need to
continue 'giving'. Already this year many of our family and
friends have made donations to the Trust Fund, and for this we
offer sincere thanks. Each contribution is very welcome indeed.
Without this support we could not do our part.
However, as in every walk of life, costs continue to rise. The
annual financial need of the regiment is not reducing. In fact,
with the increasing demand on the unit, comes greater need.
Computer support for recruiting, uniforms and accoutrements
(not supported by DND), support for The Queen's Own Military
Band and Bugles, our Museums, as well as The Rifleman and
Powder Horn publications are all part of our mandate. So,
please, do take the time to complete the provided form and if
possible mail out your donation today ~ prior to the end of this
tax year.
Tax receipts shall be provided for all donations in excess of ten ($10)
dollars. We look forward to mailing you a tax receipt soon.
In Pace Paratus
Adam Hermant
President
CHANGE OF COMMAND
LCol John M. Fotheringham CD,
stepped down as Commanding
Officer in September, replaced by
LCol Martin Delaney, CD. We'll have
a complete article with photos in the
next issue of Powder Horn.
Reviewing Officer at the well-attended parade was Colonel G.R. Stafford,
CD, Commander, 32 Canadian
Brigade Group.
IN MEMORIAM
Rfn Harold Barton
Cpl Lyle Carter
WO Patrick Ford
George Golenko
Sgt Gord Granger
Lt Dave Luxford
Lt J.D. Palmer
S/Sgt Edward Stuart
Howie Trainor
Sgt Henry (Harry) James Ward
2
D-Day 60th Anniversary Normandy Tour
By Brian Budden
There were 42 on the trip 2-14 June, 18 veterans,
including former Queen's Own Rifles members
Joseph Wagar, Rolph Jackson, Ken Scott, John
Jones, Hank Killham, Hugh Lamb, David Fletcher, Art
Gay, Bill Ross, Sydney Stocks, Charlie Cadieux, John
Connelly, Ernie Stallan and Harry Fox .
Highlights included: Cavalcade of Vehicles with all
veterans along the Normandy Coast. Each was presented with a medallion from the town of Saint Aubin
Sur Mer and Governor General Adrienne Clarkson
also greeted them; Abbaye d’ Ardenne to pay tribute
to the 20 POWs who were murdered by the German
SS; Franco-Canadian Ceremonies at the Canadian
Military Cemetery Beny-sur-Mer; Government of
Canada Ceremony and events at The Juno Beach
Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, Queen Elizabeth II,
Price Phillip, Governor General of Canada and Prime
Minister Paul Martin. Our Veterans had the opportunity to meet the Queen and Prince Phillip. I had the privilege of escorting RSM Harry Fox in the laying of the
wreath at The Juno Beach Centre. Chest Badge
Award Ceremonies to Veterans by the Mayor of
Bernieres-sur-Mer, at The Queen’s Own Rifles
Bunker Memorial; isit to The Hoffer Family at The
Maison des Queen’s Own Rifles famous house. A
wonderful reception by The Hoffer Family. The town
presented a beautiful wood hand carved of The
Queen’s Own Cap Badge and other items such as
sand and memorable articles from the children of
Bernieres-sur-Mer followed by a wonderful municipal
dinner. Inauguration of a new Monument dedicated to
the 5 Regiments that liberated the village Carpiquet,
followed by a Presentation Ceremony of Liberation of
Carpiquet Medals to QOR Veterans. A fantastic day;
QOR Ceremony and wreath laying at Canadian
Military Cemetery at Bretteville-sur-Laize – Cinthaux;
Visit to QOR objective on D-Day in Anisy, ceremony
at the memorial and a reception; Caen Memorial
Centre – tour and presentation of Commemorative
Certificates to Veterans; visit to Juno Beach Centre;
Ceremony at Marie de Giberville and March with their
Band to Rue Harry “Buck” Hawkins; Visit Ouistreham
and Sword Beach, Arromanches and Gold Beach,
the Batteries Longues in Longues-sur-Mer, Omaha
Beach and Pointe du Hoc; Le Mesnil Patry Ceremony
at the newly renovated Memorial with all the names
of the QOR and 1st Hussars who made the Supreme
Sacrafice. Installation of The Queen’s Own Rifles of
Canada Street in Anguerny. Vimy Ridge Memorial –
Museum/Trenches/Tunnels & Dieppe Beach and
Memorial. Thanks to Dave Lavery for all his hard work
in making this trip a success and to Mark Ross for
providing not only your French Translation but suggestions and ideas to benefit the tour. To Andy
MacNaughton your contribution on the idea of Grave
markers at the cemetery. An excellent idea and all
QOR graves are now very noticeable.
Post-event activity: On September 11-13 we welcomed The Mayor of Bernieres-sur-Mer, Maryvonne
Mottin and her husband Jean Claude and deputy
Mayor Leone and Henri Vincent in their visit to
Toronto. At our September Get-Together 120 people
attended. Thanks to RSM Harry Fox for presenting
the Normandie Memoire Badge and Carpiquet Medal
to those in attendance.
Veterans gather at the FUP on rue Queen's Own in Bernieressur-Mer on D-Day+60 before attending Memorial Services at
The Queen's Own Rifles Memorial on the beachfront.
3
QOR Association Annual Shoot
By Rob Grieve
This year’s Annual Association shoot was held on Saturday,
18 September at CFB Borden Langemark Range. This year
we had 57 Association members and their guests fire over
1,700 rounds of .303, 9mm and 7.62mm ammunition. The
shooting competition was held using #4 Lee Enfield rifles and
we also fired a FNC1A1, a C1 SMG and a Browning HiPower at the same time on Bay 3. The use of two bays on
Langemark helped out this year as everyone had more time
to fire. We also fired some new firearms this year including a
German MG42, a Russian PKM and a Danish Madsen that
were demonstrated by Ross Williams and Finn Nielsen.
Gord Engerer and his wife Shirley did a tremendous job
preparing and cooking the lunch hamburgers and chili.
Everyone ate welL. In the afternoon, the CO, RSM and other
staff dropped by to see us as they had been training in another area in Borden.
After a full day of shooting we had a tie for the top individual score and Gerry Senetchko triumphed after a toss of the
coin. Many thanks to the members who helped prepare our
lunch, supplied the firearms and to those who turned up to
help support the day. Thanks to all! (Next year’s shoot will be
again held in September and the final date will be announced
early in 2005.)
CHANGE OF QOR ASSOCIATION
E-MAIL OR POSTAL ADDRESS
Past President of the Toronto Branch of the Association, Norm
McCracken (left) chin-wags with his ex-RCAF brother Bob on
Warriors' Day at the CNE, in August
Sandycove Veterans Social Club
By Ivor Macleod
Calgary Reunion 2005: Pat and I are looking forward to the
reunion and the chance to scoot up to Cold Lake to spend
time with our RCAF son and his family as well as to join up
with some Airborne types elsewhere in Alberta. This latter at
the suggestion of MGen Herb Pitts and Marianne during a
visit to Ontario earlier this year.
'Salute to the Veterans': The Sandycove Acres program in
October was very enjoyable and certainly enthusiastically
received by the large audience. We had excellent Flag Party
representation by various branches of the RCL, Military
groups from Navy, Army and Air Force, the merchant Marine
and Cadet Services of Canada. As a member of the Huronia
Branch, Airborne Forces Association, I had the distinct honour and privilege of carrying the Colours of the 1st Canadian
Parachute Battalion. Following the 'March On' of the Colours,
we were entertained by a presentation of "Stagedoor
Canteen Auditions," presented by the Sandycove Variety
Club -- an outstanding performance, with excellent singing of
some favourite wartime songs by individuals and choral
groups, plus a hilarious skit by two "female impersonators."
From West to East, the Branch contact information:
Vancouver Island Branch
Jim Carroll, 1365 Hastings Street, Victoria,
BC, V8Z 2W5. Phone: 250-727-2064
e-mail: [email protected]
Calgary Branch
Clay & Louise Hodder, 4111 Sarcee Rd. SW, #A16,
Calgary, AB T3E 6V9
Phone: 403-249-4434, Fax: 403-217-1229
or 403-777-8402
e-mail: [email protected]
Toronto Branch
Dave Lavery, c/o The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada,
Moss Park Armoury
130 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M5A 1R9,
Phone:905-831-7966
Fax: 416-635-2762, e-mail:
[email protected]
Newfoundland and Maritimes Branch
John Metcalfe, 7 Cowan Place, Clarenville,
NL A5A 1E5
Phone: 709-466-7306, e-mail:
[email protected]
VE DAY + 60 TRIP
Verstraete Travel (416-969-8100) has developed
an itinerary for the Toronto Branch for a trip to
Holland in May 2005. It will include attendance
at the VE-Day parade in Appeldoorn on 8 May,
as well as a trip to the QOR Memorial at Wons.
Contacts other than Verstraete will be Brian
Budden and John Miedema.
4
Calgary Branch
By Ralph Ridley
Birthday, Christmas events. Sixty five members attended the 2004 Birthday Celebration at RCL Branch 264, a
considerable increase over previous years, with Ron
Wilson once more being the 'long driver,' coming from
Brandon. The Christmas luncheon hosted 42 members.
Peacekeepers' Day. There was large public attendance
in August at Peacekeepers' Park, Garrison Green,
Calgary (formerly Lincoln Park), to honour 119 military
personnel who have fallen while engaged in
Peacekeeping operations. Alberta Lieutenant Governor
Hon. Dr. Lois Hole, accompanied by Don Ethell, National
President of the Canadian Association of Veterans in
United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP), were among
those present. Thirteen streets with Garrison Green
have been re-named to honour a number of
Peacekeepers, including QOR members Maj-Gen Lew
MacKenzie and Don Ethell.
Change of Command, QOR of C. Congratulations to
LtCol M.J. Delaney, CD, upon assuming command of the
Regiment. We would be remiss if we failed to mention
the reports received of the very capable hands the
Regiment was in when commanded by LtCol John
Fotheringham, CD. Our best wishes are extended to
both for continued success.
Special Mission: John Cresswell. John was in the UK
in October to participate in Palestine Police Force
Celebrations, in which he played a key role. He is a very
dedicated supporter of the Calgary Branch and is extensively and continuously involved in area military and
civic events and we salute him for that.
Travel and Remembrances. Jim and Dorothy Taylor
attended the Lest We Forget Society's reunion at
Arnhem/Oosterbeek in September. Jim was one of 673
Canloan officers in WWII -- Canadians who volunteered
to serve with the British Army. It was costly, with 465
casualties, 127 KIA. Over 100 decorations were awarded, including 41 MCs. Jim, the only survivor of four
MOVING ON
Canloan Calgary Highlanders, was one of many Allied
soldiers taken prisoner at Arnhem. He recalls Field
Marshal Montgomery's famous quote: "When you meet
a man who says he was at Arnhem, shake his hand."
The Taylors were most impressed with the ceremonies,
especially the ceremony where over 1700 Dutch schoolchildren placed flowers on graves of the airborne dead,
whihc caused many tears to flow.
Commendation: John Hearn. John received a
Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Cancer
Society, Alta/NWT Div. Board in April. He also received
the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for his signifcant contributions to the Calgary Community. (Paul Harris was
the founder of the Rotary Club).Those who served in the
West during the time the QOR was on active service in
the 50s and 60s will remember CSM Hearn.
Relocation: Una Moad. Una has moved to Edmonton,
after celebrating a family Thanksgiving in her home in
Red Deer.
Still wanted. We're still looking for any Regimental stories and anecdotes that any of you out there can pass
along for potential use by LtCol Frank Mulrooney as he
updates the Regimental History. A big 'thank you' to
Maurice Whiting for his lengthy article on his four years
with the Bn in Calgary in the 60s, which contains many
recollections of people and events. He was inspired to
write his recollections down at the urging of his grandchildren. There must be lots more out there!
In Memoriam. Brenda Moore, 25 Apr 04. Brenda came
to Calgary in the mid-40s as a war-bride. Daughter of a
British soldier, she served in the Canadian Militia and
Reserves for 15 years and will be remembered for her
support of the military and the community. George
Gofenko, 14 Aug 04. A loyal Association member, he
served for 25 years, at home and in Korea, Germany,
Cyprus and Israel, first with the QOR before rebadging
to the Patricias.
members of The Queen's Own, let us know that and
we'll remember them in the Powder Horn's
'In Memoriam' column.
Wm Adair, Owen Sound; Albert Barrett, Comox; Col W.C. Ball, Honolulu; Joe
With every issue of the Powder Horn we receive
envelopes returned because delivery failed.
Unfortunately, no forwarding address is provided so we
are unable to keep in touch with these intended recipients. Here are the names of those we were unable to
reach with the last two issues. If you know the current
address of any of the following, I'd appreciate a note to:
Capt. C.D. McGregor, 22 Calder Cres. Whitby, ON, L1N
6M3 or e-mail me at [email protected].
If any of these named have passed on and were
Brunelle, Victoria; Gerry Brunet, Guelph; Frank Chevrier, Victoria; Peter deBoer
Brampton; Capt. C.D. Dakin, Niagara on the Lake; K. Day, Calgary; Dave Fields,
Victoria; Chris Fowlie, Toronto; G.E. Goodale, Cambridge; Gordon Glover,
Innisfil; Charles Hepworth, Winnipeg; Sgt David Hodgson Toronto; Sgt. Todd
Holmes, North York; Robt Horsley, Kitchener; Lt. Sam Hughes, Toronto; Leonard
Ingleson, Mississauga; Sgt Jeff Johnston, Toronto; L. Kowalski, Toronto; Lt. W.E.
Larsen, West Hill; Maj H.R. McCabe, Shawinigan Lake; Cpl Jeff Myers, Toronto;
Capt Brenda Morre, Calgary; Lt J.D. Palmer, Ingersoll; D. Salmon, Scarborough;
Sgt. Anita Selby, Cold Lake; Burt Smith, Stewart; Norman Walker, Carnduff; LCol
R.J Wilkinson, Don Mills; WO2 Ray Wildman, Bowmanville.
5
Maritimes Association Newfoundland & Labrador Branch
By Ben Turpin
was truly a family building
experience. It was time to
resurface “The Family Tree”
and here was my opportunity.
Over the past 40 some years,
memories of my life and
friends I had made in the 1st
Battalion, in Calgary have
often surfaced. Always wondering where these men were
and what they had done with
their lives haunted me. The
internet had allowed me to
find some but many still
remained a mystery.
Some of those who attended the first meeting of the Maritimes Queen's Own Rifles Association,
In late August, we headNewfoundland and Labrador Branch. Standing at the left of Major-General Lewis MacKenzie,
ed east in our motor home.
OStJ, OOnt, MSC, CD (kneeling) is John Metcalfe, first president of the new Branch.
John had given us a contact
I was contacted by John Metcalfe suggesting that name once we reached St. John’s. What a kind gesthere should be a Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada ture because we did contact Bill Hayes for some
Maritimes Association Newfoundland & Labrador much appreciated assistance. On September 11 we
Branch. I knew there were former QOR personnel arrived at #1 Legion eager to meet some old faces.
around but not as many as John had compiled. John John and his organizing crew had everything beautifelt a ‘good ole Newfoundland’ (pronounced New-fun- fully arranged. He was at the entrance ready to greet
land) reunion would be in order. He convinced me to everyone. Name tags had been prepared and those
get involved. He was also successful in convincing 'cfa’s' were given Newfoundland pins. An area with
Rod Mole from St. John’s to take on the task of col- Queen’s Own memorabilia had been laid out. A large
lecting the funds for the event. And Rod did that and Q.O.R. flag was displayed in front of the head table,
much more.
Q.O.R. military band music resounded through-out
On September 11, 2004 at the #1 Legion Hall in St. the hall setting the tone for the evening. Some of the
John's our reunion took place. Major-General Lewis men proudly wore the Association’s Green Jacket and
Mackenzie led off the evening with a short speech fol- tie ensemble. As people started to arrive I was
lowed by dinner. An election of officers was run by amazed how many I could still recognize without havTom Martin, visiting from out of province. Elected as ing to look at their name tag and I was impressed to
president was John Metcalfe and as secretary/treas- learn they had lived fruitful and interesting lives,
urer, Ben Turpin. People wanted to become members choosing many different vocations, after leaving the
right on the spot and we now have 40 paid up mem- service. I learned the whereabouts of several and
bers, coming from most Maritime Provinces. Both sadly the passing of guys who had died young.
John and I have received many emails, pictures and
The surprise entrance of Major-General Lewis
letters from attendees, and excerpts from one from Mackenzie (retired) was a real treat. He mingled so
Tom Midgley pretty well tells it for all.
easily among the men and gave a speech recanting
his years in the Queen’s Own and also congratulating
A VIEW TO THE PAST
I “came from away” to the first reunion of the the efforts put forth to establish this very new branch
Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Queen’s of the association and wished them nothing but sucOwn Rifles of Canada Association in St. John’s, and cess. He happened to be on the island attending a car
it was a privilege to be able to attend. The motto racing event - one of his passions.
“Once in the Queen’s Own, Always in the Queen’s I know many people put a tremendous amount of time
Own” is ever so true. The years spent with buddies and effort into establishing this branch of the associaduring the late 50's in Calgary with the 1st Battalion tion and the successful first reunion. Congratulations!
6
Ottawa Branch
By Grahame Baskerville
The small group of QOR survivors, numbering about
thirty with spouses, in the National Capital and
Eastern Ontario area celebrated the Regimental
Birthday at an informal reception to at the Courtyard
Restaurant in downtown Ottawa. We were joined by
several retired Patricias that had served alongside the
Rifles in the "Army of the West" or in Germany, such
as Jack Kitson, Bill Love and Dave Snowball. We
were pleased to have a few out of town visitors with
us: Charlie and Mary Park from B.C., Garry Whiting
visiting his father Maury, Lew MacKenzie, and Dick
Cowling.
Terry Cassidy Visit
At the end of July, Terry and Judy Cassidy stopped in
Ottawa enroute from Kelowna BC to a family reunion
in the Maritimes. Clair and Carol Donnelly hosted a
small gathering of Ottawa area Riflemen that had
served with Terry in Calgary or Germany in the late
1950's / early 1960's.
Capt Howard J. Traynor
It was with sorrow that and regret that the we learned
of the passing away of Howie Traynor a longtime
comrade, on the 1 Aug 04, in his 83 rd year. Our sympathies go out to his wife Jeannette (Jan).
He joined the Queens Own in 1951 and served in
Korea with the 2 nd Bn.
Who Was the First QOR Member to Qualify as a
Parachutist?
The QOR has now had an Airborne tasking for just
over 20 years, and is the only Militia unit able to retain
this tasking. Many Regular Force QOR members
qualified as parachutists and served with distinction
with the Airborne Regiment. Also within the Regular
Force the QOR had members who had served in WW
II with the 1 st Cdn Parachute Battalion as well as
British Airborne Forces. It seems appropriate, as a
point of regimental historical detail, to try and determine who was the first person wearing a QOR hat
badge to qualify as a parachutist. Was it someone
during WW II or was it later.
It would be interesting to get input from the
Regimental family.
One of the earliest Regular Army paratroopers
was MWO (Ret) Pete Mitchell. He enlisted (at age
17) in 1944 with the 2nd (Reserve) Bn QOR in
Toronto. He joined the Regular Army in 1951 and
went to Germany with the 1st Cdn Rifle
Bn (QOR Coy) in 27 Bde. Sgt Mitchell, along with Sgt
Fred Swan (also QOR) returned to Canada in 1952
and went to Rivers Man where they qualifies as parachutist on Basic Para Course 164. They remained at
Rivers as Para Instructors. Sgt Swan later re-badged
to PPCLI to continue his parachuting. Pete Mitchell
returned to 1 BN QOR in 1954 where he served in
Calgary and Germany. He later re-badged to PPCLI
and retired in 1980. Hearsay evidence indicates that
these two were the first to return to Canada for parachutist training. As Mitchell is ahead of Swan alphabetically, it is highly possible that Pete Mitchell may be
the first QOR person to qualify as a parachutist.
Are their others? Could be interesting. Forward
your comments to the Editor of the Powder Horn.
BATTLE OF NORMANDY PARADE
Led by CO LCol John Fotheringham CD, The Queen's Own lead 32 Canadian Infantry Brigade troops down Bayview Avenue in Toronto
on a route march from Sunnybrook Hospital to Queen's Park for a memorial service to mark D-Day+60.
7
Vancouver Island Branch
By Ira MacDonald
Executive Committee for the 2004/2005-year are; Pres. Ira K.
MacDonald;VP Bill Brayshaw; Sec. Bob Drinkwater; Treas./Membership
Jim Carroll; Entertainment Kevin Walsh; Up Island Rep Art Saretsky; Kit
Shop Ron Kinnersley, Pete Kolbe; Photog Russ Kierstead; Museum Jim
Schulz, Dave Stones; Custodian Gord Kitsch. The Committee wants to
sincerely thank Sandy Rozon for her many years of service to the
Branch as the Photographer. Special Notice to Members
Chemical Warfare Trials. A website, [email protected] , is available for answering questions about, and applying for, compensation for
participants in Trials in Suffield (Ex VACUUM-Sept-Oct 1968). There
were also smaller ones in Sarcee (Ex SPOT CHECK -1962-64). Apply
or get information if you participated. 1st and 2nd Battalions provided the
bulk of the "players".
National Metis Veterans Association. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran of Metis descent you may be eligible for benefits from Veterans Affairs Canada. Contact Bob Ducharme at (250) 7562493 or by Email at: [email protected].
Vancouver Island Branch Photo Album Project. Jim Carroll and Russ
Kierstead are putting together a photo album of all Branch members.
Photos can be either taken at the monthly luncheons held at the Pro Pats
Legion in Victoria or at the monthly “Coffee-Get-Together” at the MGM
Café in Nanaimo. Members not able to attend either of these functions
wishing to have their pictures in the Album are encouraged to send a
“chest-up” photo to Jim Carroll via email at [email protected] or by
Canada Post to “Membership Photos” 1365 Hastings Street, Victoria,
B.C. V8Z 2W5. Please include the following information with your photo:
Years of Service, From and To; Civilian work history “Major Only”.
QOR of C Base Museum Project. Our galleries in CFB Esquimalt
Museum are nearing completion insofar as acquisitions are concerned.
If Members have articles of interest or value and wish to donate them,
they should contact Jim Schulz, Dave Stones or Herb Pitts not later than
the Annual General Meeting slated for 15 Jan 05. At that time, the list of
Donors will be completed for installation on a permanent plaque in the
Museum so as to be ready in time for the next Regimental Birthday
Dinner in April 05. We want to thank those members that have contributed their time and talent to the construction phase of this Project.
Special thanks to Paul Cassidy for his contribution of a full set of Tin
Soldiers in Regimental Band formation. These are currently being painted and, when complete, will be part of the Museum Display.
Annual General Meeting 2005. Please mark your calendars to record
the date of the Annual General Meeting of your Branch scheduled for
January 15th, 2005 commencing at 1330 hrs at the Naden Wardroom.
145th Regimental Birthday Dinner & Dance – April 22nd & 23rd,
2005. The weekend celebrations will kick-off with a “Meet and Greet” to
be held at the Langford Legion on Friday April 22nd starting at 1730. The
145th Regimental Birthday Dinner/Dance will be held at the Naden
Wardroom on April 23rd, 2005. Ticket prices for this event will likely
remain at $25.00 per person for members and their spouse/partner, and
will be on sale from February 1st to March 31st, 2005. There will be no
holding of tickets for persons wishing to pay for them at the door due to
financial commitments that have to be made to the Wardroom. Members
wishing to bring guests (other than as an escort) will be advised if they
will be able to purchase tickets after March 31st, space permitting. Guest
ticket prices are expected to remain at $30.00 each. Seating at the
Dinner is limited.This event is sold out every year so you are encouraged
to purchase your tickets early to avoid being disappointed.
We will be approaching the Wardroom to offer accommodation to
members and their guests for the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th of April
2005.If rooms are available they will be assigned firstly to persons from
outside the Vancouver Island Branch area and then to those from outside the Greater Victoria area. Any remaining rooms will be made available to members living in town. Application forms for tickets to the 145th
QOR of C Regimental Dinner & Dance will be sent out with the January
2005 Newsletter.
Our annual celebration of the Regiment's Birthday held last April 24th
was an enormous success. The celebration sold out early with our seating capacity of 210 being pushed to 216 to accommodate some out-oftown guests. Thanks to the Naden Wardroom staff for a job well done
and special thanks to Jim Carroll for doing an incredible job organizing
the entire weekends activities. Jim Lloyd won the Shadow Box that was
designed and built by Art Saretsky. The Regimental Wine Glass sets
were won by Kathleen Bender (Bob Drinkwater) and Howard McCabe.
New Members. The following joined or re-joined our Branch of the QOR
of C Association in 2004: Andy Aak Bob Bluett Alan Bruce Derek
Bamford Wally Budgell Dave Chalk Don Chamberlain Ed Chase Lee
Driver Wes Everitt Eugene Farand Howie Gagnon Ron Hadland Dick
Kreis Andy Lavis Jim Lloyd Ron Logan Wayne March Ralph McDiarmid
Ray McLennan Tony Palamar Nick Pope Dale Ratzlaff Ron Ronriguez
Bill Skrypnick Ian Schantz Bob Simpson Swen Stone Bill Thompson
John Wilcox William Wilcox Keith Mackenzie; Gary Clark Ross Bright
Kit Shop. The Kit Shop has a broad selection of items bearing the
Regimental Crest available for purchase. Please contact Pete Kolbe or
Ron Kinnersley for information.
Monthly Events. Members are reminded of the regular monthly luncheon held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Pro-Pat’s Legion
on Gorge Road and the monthly coffee break held at 10:00AM on the
first Tuesday of each month at the MGM café at 240 Nicol Street in
Nanaimo. All Members are invited to attend. Members, please note that
the December 29, 2004 lunch and January 4, 2005 coffee break gathering will not be held.
Last Post (2004). Lyle Carter, Nanaimo, 25 July; Gord Granger,
Summerland, 30 Sep.; Harold Barton, Lake Cowichan 30 Sep; Patrick J.
Ford, Williams Lake, 03 Sep 2004
144th Regimental Birthday Dinner and Dance. Our annual celebration of the Regiment's Birthday held last April 24th was an enormous
success. The celebration sold out early with our seating capacity of 210
being pushed to 216 to accommodate some out-of-town guests. Thanks
to the Naden Wardroom staff for a job well done and special thanks to
Jim Carroll for doing an incredible job organizing the entire weekends
activities. Jim Lloyd won the Shadow Box that was designed and built by
Art Saretsky. The Regimental Wine Glass sets were won by Kathleen
Bender (Bob Drinkwater) and Howard McCabe.
Any news? If you have any news or information of interest to the members please contact any member of the Executive at the numbers provided above or email Jim Carroll, at [email protected].
MAIL CALL
From the Office of HRH Princess Alexandra,
Buckingham Place.
"Thank you so much for sending the
Powder Horn to this office. This will be
shown to Princess Alexandra, who is
always grateful to be kept informed about
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada.”
Yours faithfully, Mrs. W. Blake,
Secretary to LCol Richard Macfarlane
(Private Secretary to the Regiment's
Colonel-in-Chief)
8
THE NIJMGEN MARCH- JULY 2004
By Larry Diebel
I was privileged to serve with
both our 1st and 2nd
Battalions in Calgary, Victoria
and Cyprus and the Queens
Own Regimental Depot in
Calgary and it was with great
anticipation that I agreed to
join the Nijmegen March this
year. The March grew out of a
Netherlands Army infantry
training initiative of 1909 and
has since become a famous
Larry Deibel
annual international military
and civilian test and demonstration of fitness. Each
July some 45,000 civilian and 5,000 military
marchers march for four days in a pattern of routes
in the area of the city of Nijmegen, in Holland. For
the military the challenge is to march 40 plus km
each day for four days. Weapons are not carried but
male marchers are required to carry at least 25 lbs
of dead weight. Participating military teams come
from all three services of West European nations,
Australia and the US.
Since the closing of Lahr and Baden Sollingen,
the CF contingent to the March has been restricted
to the180-190 marchers and 25-30 support personnel (Heavy on medical staff-God bless them!) who
can fit in an Air Transport Group 310 Air Bus.
Qualifying requirements for Canadian teams: prior to
departure are that they must have previously
marched at least 700 kms and 80 or more of these
must have been completed on two consecutive
days. Why me? One of the regular sponsors of the
March is The Royal Canadian Legion, which tries to
get at least one of its members to become a member of the Canadian Contingent. Long story, short –
I was talked into it!
The marching part of it was a reasonable chal-
"On the March"
lenge to which was added (for some) the problem of
blisters. Far more important for me was the experience of being around troops again after many years
-- two NDHQ teams of about 35 serving members of
the Regular and Reserve Force in ranks from Cpl to
LCol of all three services. I approached this with the
deep conviction that nothing I would encounter
could honestly compare with the kind of real soldiers
I had the privilege to serve with back in 1958 in D
Coy of the good old 1st Battalion. I will sum up my
reaction when I actually got to know these troops by
repeating what Lew MacKenzie has said: "The
amazing thing is that Canada continues to get far
better troops than it deserves." I found all ranks,
men and women, well educated, well informed, professional and fit. Their morale was very high while
they the March, with deadly seriousness.
Interpersonal relationships were excellent. Best of
all, they had/have a wonderful quick wit and sense of
humour that made being around them great fun. I
must go further to say that I saw people continue to
march in spite of discomfort and pain when this
required real personal bravery of an order that I had
not seen in the "good old days". I thought that,
although the men were all round first-rate, the
women were the outstanding personalities, who did
the most to give their teams solidarity. (I confess that
it was not long ago that I was totally opposed to
recruiting women.) It is also worth mentioning that
of the service women participating in the march,
only the Canadians carried the same pack load
as the men.
Finally, along the March route we were not prepared for the warmth the Dutch people offered to us
as Canadian servicemen. There is a legacy of good
will left over from the Canadian liberation of the NL
in WW II that did wonders to take our minds of our
aches and pains.
A salute to Queen's Own Rifles Sgt. Aubrey Cosens VC, at his gravesite in Groesbeek Canadian
Military Cemetery in Nijmegen, Holland.
9
LCol John Fotheringham, Commanding Officer of The
Queen's Own chats with Dick Hilton, Hon. LCol 25 MP,
during Exercise Stalwart Guardian at CFB Petawawa in
August, 2004. Fotheringham was Commanding Officer,
32 Light Infantry Battalion - 415 soldiers
Ken Barrett (second from left) and John Freidt of the QOR Association,
Calgary Branch presented a QOR D Day picture and QOR crest to the Juno
Beach Academy of Canadian Studies in Calgary. At left is the school principal, LCol Lee Villiger, CO of The Calgary Highlanders. Holding the crest
are Grade 6 students Sarah and Shilo.
LtCol Ted Shuter (r.) with Maj Morris Whiting, Shuter's
adjutant in Korea.
KOREAN WAR VETERANS
A gathering of Canadian veterans of the Korean War
was called in September, 2003, to dedicate the monument at 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa -- a memorial
to all Canadians who fell in Korea. The sponsors,
which included the Federal Government and the
Korean War Veterans Association, were overwhelmed
by the turnout of veterans from all the units that
served in Korea. A get-together was held the day
before the dedication where many old friendships
were renewed, followed by a dinner party that
evening. The Official Ceremony and March Past took
place on 28 September, with the salute being taken by
then Prime Minister Jean Chretien, who was flanked
on the saluting base by Lieutenant-General Charles
Belzile and Major-General Herb Pitts.
Korean War veterans en route to take part in the march past, where the
salute was taken by Prime Minister Jean Chretien, flanked by LGen Charles
Belzile and MGen Herb Pitts.
Mark Your Calendars,
Daytimers or Blackberrys:
There will be a tribute dinner for BGen Don
Pryer on Saturday 23 April 2005 at the RCMI
to honour his ten years of service as Honorary
Colonel of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
and his long service to the Canadian Forces.
10
REGIMENTAL REUNION - JUNE 2005
By Don Ethell
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada will hold their
Regimental Reunion in Calgary on the weekend
of 03-05 June 2005. All venues and accommodation
will be in the University of Calgary.
As many of you you will recall, in the 60's the 2nd
Bn QOR stationed in Calgary was reduced to nil
strength - and the remaining personnel posted to
either the 1st Bn or other Regiments. The QOR
Regimental Depot had closed out in Calgary a few
years before.
On the 26th of April 1970, the 1st Bn paraded en
masse on the Work Point parade square in Victoria
BC - and we changed cap badges to PPCLI.
Although it was a very sad day for the Regiment, it
has been a very 'happy marriage' with the Patricias.
Following the demise of the 1st Bn, the 3rd Bn
(Militia Bn) stationed in Toronto assumed the title of
1st Bn QOR of C, and RHQ was established in
Toronto - so the traditions of the Regiment continued,
and continue to this day. And they do it very well!
During the past five years, through the wonders of
cyberspace, particularly the Internet/email, many of
the retired QOR personnel have 'surfaced' on various
QOR electronic address books, including many
retired personnel. It is amazing to hear from soldiers
with whom one soldiered with 30 to 40 years ago! To
the extent that, under the leadership of our Honourary
LtCol (Col Paul Hughes) the Calgary Branch of the
QOR of C Association will host the 145th Anniversary
celebrations next June. (Although April is our birthday
month, we moved the date to June to facilitate travel
by POMC for our colleagues living in Victoria,
Winnipeg and down East).
We expect 250 to 300 pers to attend the Reunion,
including representation from our Branches in Nfld,
PEI, Ottawa and across Western Canada - along with
good representation of our Riflemen at the Home
Station in Toronto (1 QOR of C and RHQ). As you're
well aware, throughout the years many RCOC and
Logistics Branch members served with various
Queen's Own Battalions. QMs and Sup Techs - bless
'em, and they were always treated as 'Riflemen' (ie
one of the family) and we're hoping to reach all of
these through various publications.
It will be a grand affair, with many a war story doing
the rounds! It is planned that MGen Herb Pitts will be
the Featured Speaker during the Meet and Greet on
Friday evening, and LGen Charlie Belzile as the
Featured Speaker during the Dinner/Dance on the
Saturday evening. The latter will be introduced by
MGen Lew MacKenzie. All three gentlemen are cherished members of the Regiment. (No speaker during
the Stampede breakfast - just Western music!). One
of the entertainment(s) during the dinner/dance
includes the famous Queen's Own drummers.
(See pages 12 – 14)
Billy Willbond (l.) and the Canadian High
Commissioner to East Africa, Jim Wall, lay
a wreath at the Nairobi gravesite of Sgt
R.H. Moore (RC Sigs) a peacekeeper who
died in the Congo. Willbond is a member
of ICROSS Canada, which is supported by
the peacekeepers of Canada.
Jan de Vries of 1 CanPara, Honorary
Chairman of the Cpl. Fred Topham VC
Fundraising Project, with a presentation
made to King George PS in Toronto.
Topham attended the school in the 1920s.
To contact the editor of
Powder Horn: Telephone
905-430-1680 (home) or
905-718-1377 (cell) or
[email protected]
Former Queen's Own Rifles
of Canada Honorary Colonel,
the Hon. Barnett (Barney)
Danson, PC, OC, takes the
2004 Warriors' Day salute
in Toronto.
QOR Veterans march past the saluting base during the
Warriors' Day Parade in Toronto.
11
University of Calgary
Conference Housing
104 Cascade Hall, 3456 24th Ave NW
Calgary, Alta Canada T2N 4V5
Tele (403) 220-3203 Fax 220-6760
Email: [email protected]
http//www.residence.ca/residence/
Conference: Queen’s Own Rifles Reunion 2005 – Calgary
Date: June 3-6, 2005
A room block is held for this conference for the dates indicated above. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first
service basis. Conference Housing will accommodate bookings after the group block is full, based on availability.
Please Type or Print
First name __________________________
Last name __________________________
___ Male ___ Female
Mailing Address ____________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
City ______________ Prov ____________
Postal Code ________
Telephone _________________________
Fax________________________________
Email ______________________________
Please Note: All rates are per person, per
night. Rates are subject to change without notice. All beds are single beds
(except in hotel rooms). A 5% Hotel Tax
as well as a 7% GST applies to accommodation. To guarantee your reservation, a
credit card number must be provided.
Roommate for shared room (must be
mutually requested)
Name ______________________________
Arrival Date _______________________
Departure Date ____________________
Please Rank in Order of Preference:
a. Traditional Dormitory Accommodation:
Bedroom with two beds/desks & closets shared
washroom facilities at end of hall.
___single room $32.00 ___ double room $44.00
b. Suite-Style Accommodation:
Private suites have a bedroom/living area, refrig and
washroom. Shared Suites have 2 or 4 bedrooms in
the unit, and contain a shared living area, refrig &
washroom(s). In some suites you have the option of
sharing a bedroom, shared bedroom/shared suite
(two beds/bedroom) however to share a room
within a suite, you must have a mutuallyrequested roommate.
__
__
__
__
Private Suite (one person)
Private Suite (two people)
Private Room/Shared Suite
Shared Room/Shared Suite
$56.00/person
$33.00/person
$41.00/person
$28.00/person
c. Hotel Suites: are also available and have full
amenities standard in all hotels. Please contact
Conference Housing directly to book a hotel room
as space is limited.
Please charge the one night deposit of ___________ to: ___ Visa ___ Mastercard
Cardholder’s Name__________________________________________
Card Number ___________________________________Expiry Date _________________
Signature of Cardholder _____________________________________________________
Cancellations must be received 48 hours prior to arrival date, if you cancel after this time or fail to show up for
your booking a one nights stay will be charged to your credit card
12
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada
Regimental Reunion 2005
145th Anniversary Celebrations June 3 – 5, 2005
Calgary Alberta
- Registration form Surname________________________ First name & Initials______________________
Nickname _____________Spouse or Guest ___________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
City: _______________ Province: ____________ Postal Code: ___________________
Telephone (___) _________ Fax: __________ Email: ____________________________
Registration Fee: $70 per person (incl taxes). All registrations must be mailed via Cda Post. No
formal registrations will be accepted via email, fax or telephonically.
Cheque or Money Order payable to QOR of C Association Calgary Branch (Noted at the bottom
of the cheque “QOR of C Reunion 2005”). Please mail the registration form and fee to:
QOR 2005 Reunion Committee
c/o Mark Staffing, 730, 734 7th Ave SW Calgary Alta, T2P 3P8
In addition to great comradeship, your Registration entitles you to the following:
a. Meet & Greet (includes finger food) on Friday evening;
b. Stampede breakfast on Saturday morning;
c. Dinner/Dance on Saturday evening including a performance by the famous ‘Drum-line’ and
other entertainment;
d. “Featured” Regimental speakers on Friday and Saturday evenings;
e. Nominal roll of attendees;
f. Access to very reasonable accommodation at the University of Calgary;
g. Free transportation from/to the Calgary airport;
h. Participation in tours during the afternoon of Saturday 05 June;
i. Welcome package including a QOR 2005 Reunion souvenir
NB A ‘no-host’ cash bar will be available. A Regimental kitshop, and tickets for a 50/50 Draw and a Raffle
will be available during the Meet & Greet.
13
Dress for both the Meet & Greet (Friday) Stampede breakfast (Saturday morning) is casual – although you are
welcome to wear Western dress for the breakfast. Dress for the Dinner/Dance is jacket and tie, although the
wearing of the Regimental blazer with medals is encouraged. Ladies equivalent.
The venues for the Meet & Greet, Stampede breakfast, and dinner/dance are all in the MacEwan Hall of UofC,
2500 University Dr NW, Calgary Alta T2N 1N4.
On-site underground parking is available in the UofC MacEwan parking garage (below the location of the venues for 03 & 04 Jun). For those arriving via POMC, enter off of 32nd Ave NW to Collegiate Boulevard and proceed directly to the MacEwan parking garage (follow the QOR signs).
Do you have special dietary considerations?
Vegetarian ______________
Yes/No _____
kosher _______________
other _______________
Do you require handicapped assistance? Yes/No ______
(Note – all facilities in the UofC are handicap friendly).
If you are arriving by air, do you require transportation from/to the Calgary airport?
Yes/No ______
# of pers? _______
If yes, please advise (when known) your carrier, arrival and departure flights numbers, date and time. QOR of
C transportation will be provided to/from Cascade Hall/airport for arrival on Friday the 3rd of June and departure
on the 5th of June 2005.
Please indicate your interest in attending a tour of the following tentatively planned for Saturday
the 4th of June:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Museum of Regiments (half day – no charge)
Banff tour (all day – approx $20.00 per person)
Spruce Meadows (all day – no charge)
A local Legion (#264) available for ‘comradeship’
Yes/No
# of pers
_____
_____
_____
_____
______
______
______
______
NB Commitment of QOR of C transport for the foregoing is contingent upon sufficient participation.
Accommodation. Please note that you are required to make your own arrangements for accommodation,
either privately or through the University of Calgary. Please see attached accommodation request form. You
are entitled to take advantage of the UofC gym, pool and dining facilities. On-site parking (chargeable) is
available. The UofC Accommodation Reception office (in Cascade Hall) is open 24 hours a day. If desired,
and if accommodation is available you may arrive earlier than Friday 03 Jun, and depart on a later date than
05 Jun. The accommodation (ie Cascade Hall) is approx a five-minute walk from the Friday and Saturday
events in MacEwan Hall.
If required, camping or motorhome accommodation is available at Calgary West KOA.
Toll free reservations 1 (800) 562-0842.
Reunion website: www.qor.com/reunion
Reunion information telephone number: (403) 263-5120 extension 317
Reunion Information email address: [email protected]
Signature _____________________________ Date ____________________
14